handicapped 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of handicappednext
as in hindered

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handicapped

2 of 2

verb

past tense of handicap
as in hampered
to create difficulty for the work or activity of the baseball player's small size did not handicap him in the least

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of handicapped
Adjective
Catalina suffers from an unspecified mental disability, which Saavedra, who is not handicapped, performs in an arguably inappropriate register of fidgety hands and shifty-eyed glances. — Beatrice Loayza, Variety, 16 May 2026 Still, there are a few handicapped-accessible rooms, and all of the restaurants and public areas have ramps. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 May 2026
Verb
Some severely bad picks and process in the first round have handicapped the Packers’ ceiling tremendously. — Matt Schneidman, New York Times, 28 Jan. 2026 For many Chinese who have plowed their savings into real estate, the market’s collapse handicapped their ability to spend, driving down overall demand. — John Liu, CNN Money, 11 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for handicapped
Recent Examples of Synonyms for handicapped
  1. encumbered
  2. hampered
  3. hindered
  4. impeded
  5. embarrassed
  6. obstructed
Adjective
  • Now Democrats have a chance to replace Platner with a new candidate—someone who is, perhaps, less encumbered—and redouble their efforts to flip Collins’s seat.
    — Elaine Godfrey, The Atlantic, 9 July 2026
Definition of encumbered
Verb
  • Delays in contact tracing, difficulties accessing affected areas, mistrust from communities, and violence by armed groups and some residents have hampered the response, the Africa CDC has said.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 4 Aug. 2026
  • But two separate hamstring injuries hampered any chance of a call-up for Ryan, who is also nearly two years past Tommy John surgery.
    — Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of hampered
Verb
  • Aid organizations have said that community mistrust, insecurity due to armed conflict, and gaps in healthcare have hindered response and containment efforts.
    — Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 30 July 2026
  • The suspense grows more effective past the one-hour mark, once Dama takes control of the narrative, with Irina, Rosa and Giulia variably helped and hindered by her steely mechanizations.
    — Dennis Harvey, Variety, 30 July 2026
Definition of hindered
Verb
  • Folks who are hundreds of miles away from the forest are impeded by wildfire smoke.
    — Alex Robinson, Outdoor Life, 29 July 2026
  • The report goes on to say that when the victim intervened and put the dog in its crate, Monasterio turned on her, repeatedly punching her and placing both hands around her neck, squeezing until her breathing was impeded.
    — Ana Maria Soler, CBS News, 29 July 2026
Definition of impeded
Verb
  • One month later, Europe embarrassed the United States on American soil at the Ryder Cup.
    — Dan Zaksheske, FOXNews.com, 19 July 2026
  • The suitors embarrassed themselves one by one, until Antinous demanded Penelope simply choose the best of them.
    — Tanya Fedak, Variety, 18 July 2026
Definition of embarrassed
Verb
  • From across the street, Yñiga’s view grew increasingly obstructed, first by an ambulance, then a parade of menacing black SUVs, and finally a van that disgorged a reporter and a yawning cameraman.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 3 Aug. 2026
  • The path to collective bargaining will be slow, dark and obstructed by institutions that benefit from dividing players by team, conference, sport, class year and state law.
    — Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of obstructed

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Cite this Entry

“Handicapped.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/handicapped. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on handicapped

Nglish: Translation of handicapped for Spanish Speakers

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